asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will enumerate and name, stating the purpose and function of each one, the several advisory or consultative councils, commissions, committees and similar bodies appointed by him since 1st June, 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (resumed). - Advisory Council and Similar Bodies: Agriculture.
Major de Valera
One such body has been established by me since that date, viz., the Agricultural Production Council. As indicated in the Taoiseach's speech of the 5th October, 1956, the purpose of this council is to ensure that the method of achieving our general object —expanding agricultural production with a growing surplus capable of being profitably sold abroad—will be settled in the light of the best technical advice available, combined with the practical day-to-day and year-to-year experience of the working agriculturist.
The function of the council is to give advice and assistance to the Minister for Agriculture in relation to matters affecting agricultural production generally.
In view of the establishment by him of this council, would the Minister be good enough to tell the House what function is left to him as Minister for Agriculture?
Yes, I should be glad to do so. One of the functions that will not be left to me is the recruiting of ten fields of inspectors wherewith to prosecute the farmers or to line the farmers' ditches with Civic Guards or to break open their gates with bulldozers.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Would the Opposition like to ask another question?
Would the Minister for Agriculture still say that he would not be found dead in a field of wheat?
Will the Minister state if these men are paid?
What about Bord na Móna?
No. All the members are honorary and giving their services free.
Major de Valera
Has the Minister answered Question No. 50, too, or does he intend to give me a separate reply to that?
I intend to answer Question No. 50 now.
Major de Valera
I did not know whether or not the Minister's answer to Question No. 50 was included in that reply.
I should like to have another round on this one.
Major de Valera
Challenge accepted.
Preferably if the Deputy will get Deputy MacEntee to ask a supplementary question.
Question No. 49.